Brentford midfielder Romaine Sawyers says he is working on developing his game as a forward after impressing up front in Saturday’s west London derby win over Fulham.

The 26-year-old replaced the injured Lasse Vibe after only 10 minutes and fired the Bees ahead with an instinctive first-time finish, before teeing up Ollie Watkins to seal the 3-1 victory at Griffin Park.

And, with striker Neal Maupay having also been suspended against the Whites, Sawyers feels he can fill in where needed.

“It’s different, but the gaffer told me to go and do what I did against Sheffield Wednesday, work hard without the ball, and that’s what I wanted to do,” said Sawyers on his unfamiliar position.

He added: “Andreas [Bjelland] spoke to me at half-time and said ‘I know it’s un-natural but can you try and be an outlet?’ So I was more conscious in the second half to keep the game stretched, like you see Lasse and Neal doing for us.

“I’m just trying to understand the role a bit more in case I’m called upon again.”

The St. Kitts and Nevis international was left out of the starting line-up for the second consecutive match but took his chance when he came on – adding to his assist as a substitute against QPR.

“I’m obviously disappointed not to be starting, but as a team we’ve got a lot of options and a lot of quality. Everyone knows their role, I’m just happy to play my part,” he said.

“I’ve got faith in my team-mates. There’s a lot of competition and I respect that and the gaffer’s decision. I can’t dwell on it too much because there’s a game to win.

“I came on in the first half, but it may have been on 73 minutes like the other day. You’ve just got to be ready regardless.”